Aristide Doroftei

Aristide Doroftei was born into a Christian Orthodox family in Luncani, Romania on July 11, 1915. Early in his life, he encountered the Advent message, and in this message he found answers to the deep religious and philosophical questions which troubled his mind. Having finished two Master's degrees in the fields of Economics and contemporary languages (French and English), he laid aside the possibility of a promising worldly career in favor of dedicating his life to the noble cause of proclaiming the Third Angel's Message. He begins by working for the Romanian Adventist publishing house "Cuvintul Evangheliei" (Word of the Gospel), followed by being appointed to a professorship at the SDA seminary. While teaching at the Adventist seminary, he meets the love of his life, Venera Boldescu, and they marry in 1942. They have four children, and remain together for the next 62 years until death separates them in 2004. Following his marriage to Venera Boldescu in 1942, he works as a pastor for many years in various parts of Romania. In 1963, he is elected as a representative from the Muntenia Conference, and in 1967 he begins working directly in a leadership position with the Romanian Union. Meanwhile, he is also appointed as director of the Adventist Seminary in Bucharest, and he continues teaching Homiletics, Greek, Hebrew, as well as English and French. After retiring in 1979, he moves to the United States not only to be with his children and grandchildren, but also to tend to the scattered Romanian Adventist flock who have sought to escape the persecution of the brutal and increasingly repressive dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausecu. In the United States, he is active as a pastor, colporteur, and he establishes a radio program "Voice of the Gospel" which is aired in Romanian both in the United States, and later in Romania as well. He dedicates his time to teaching, preaching, giving Bible studies, encouraging, and comforting. In 1992, he founds the non-profit organization "Romanian Ministries International", which sponsors evangelistic and humanitarian work (such as orphanages) among the Romanian speaking community in the US, and in Romania. He remained its president and dedicated leader until his recent passing.

Two weeks short of his 100th birthday, on Friday June 26th, one hour prior to sunset, he finished his race. Surrounded by his loving family, he rested on the Sabbath as Jesus had done many centuries before. He will be greatly missed by his family, consisting of 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren, by his friends, and by numerous brothers and sisters in Christ across the Globe. Aristide leaves behind a legacy of integrity, faith, and optimism, an example worthy of imitating for all of us who share his hope in the near return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Very soon his many years of faithful service will be rewarded by the Head Shepard whose clear voice will be heard saying "well done, thou good and faithful servant.." and will place upon his head that incorruptible of diadem of glory.